Breakthrough in Science: Aging Could Be Optional

When we think about staying healthy as we age, we usually focus on exercise, food, and maybe medication.

But now, scientists are looking at something completely different — how our cells die.

A new study from researchers at UCL, LinkGevity, and the European Space Agency suggests that one specific type of cell death, called necrosis, could hold the key to fighting aging, disease, and even the effects of space travel.

Necrosis happens when cells die in an uncontrolled way. It can be caused by injury, infection, or stress in the body, according to ScienceDaily.

This kind of cell death isn’t clean or tidy. The cell bursts and spills out harmful substances.

That creates inflammation and damage in nearby tissues. Over time, this can lead to conditions like kidney disease, heart problems, and Alzheimer’s.

The study challenges the old idea that necrosis is just a dead end. Instead, the researchers believe it plays an active role in making us age and get sick.

They think that by stopping or slowing down necrosis, we might slow aging itself.

One of the researchers, Dr. Keith Siew from UCL, explains that necrosis can cause a snowball effect.

Once it starts, it can spread damage throughout the body. This seems to be especially true in the kidneys.

Almost half of people over 75 have some level of kidney disease, and necrosis may be a major reason why.

Dr. Carina Kern, CEO of LinkGevity, says necrosis has been overlooked for too long. But new evidence shows it could be the missing link in many diseases.

If we can stop it, we may be able to treat a wide range of problems — from heart disease to brain disorders.

The findings are also important for space travel. Astronauts experience faster aging in space.

Necrosis may explain why. If we can manage it, longer missions might become possible.

This research brings together experts from many fields. They believe necrosis isn’t just a problem. It might be a way forward.